The Rows

Step Back in Time: Explore Chester’s Historic Shopping Galleries

One of the most fascinating and unique parts of Chester is the Rows. These two-tiered timber-framed galleries line the main streets of the city. Brimming with the city’s history, they are waiting to be explored. Throughout much of the city’s history, the Rows are where the city’s residents would come to trade, drink, dine, and more. Explore the Rows today and you’re continuing this legacy as you’ll find them home to some of the quirkiest independent shops, restaurants, bars, and attractions. Whether you want a deep dive into the city’s history (and mysteries) or to enjoy all the unique businesses that call them home (or even just to find some shelter from the rain!), make sure to discover the Rows. Here’s our inspiration for just where to explore on your Rows discovery.

Discover the Rows

One of the best ways to explore the Rows is by using the Discover the Rows audio and mobile walking tour. It’s completely free and you simply need to go to the trail homepage, plug in your headphones and find your starting point. It’s a circular route that takes you on a journey through the Rows’ fascinating past, so you can start wherever suits you. You can also download a free map of the Rows designed by world-renowned artist Helen Cann to aid you with your discovery.

Explore Menus and Quirky Tipples

If you’re looking for a unique place to eat and drink, you can’t get much better than on the Rows. You’ll find brilliant bars, pubs and restaurants throughout, whether in the basement-level stone clad undercrofts, or on the galleries above, it’s definitely worth exploring both to see just how these structures work. In Urbano 32 on Bridge Street you’ll experience the past meeting the present, with remnants of the historic architecture and quirky interiors with great pizzas, cocktails and more. Shrub, which sits on the upper level of the Rows on the corner of Eastgate and Northgate streets, as well as serving some of Chester’s best plant-based offerings uses their location to the fullest with charming interiors and a fantastic outdoor seating area where you can watch the streets below. Stroll up Watergate Street and you can enjoy expertly brewed coffee from the likes of Chalk, quirky bars like Craft & Company, Beer Heroes and Palm, and a range of restaurants like Pars Kahve, Stile Napoletano, and Olive Tree Brasserie. This is just to name a few and you can discover more places to eat and drink on the Rows here.

Kit yourself out with everything you need 

Just like Cestrians of the past, you can shop for all kinds of wares on the Rows. Home to some of the best independents in town alongside luxury and name brands, the Rows make for the perfect shopping experience. Did you know that since the 19th century the Rows have had their own jewellery quarter? On and around the corner of Bridge Street you’ll find some of the oldest and best jewellers in the city like Powells, Lowe & Sons, and Gasia. Chester Model Centre is definitely worth a visit for fans of anything from model trains to Airfix. There’s Harriet and Dee, who call the historic God’s Providence House their home where you can find all kinds of quirky gifts, arts, and crafts. Again, this is just a few of the great indies on the Rows, and we encourage you to discover your new favourite shop on the Rows.

Experience the Rows

The Rows aren’t just for shopping, eating, and drinking – they’re home to a number of attractions and experiences for you to enjoy. At the end of Bridge Street Row East in the historic St Michaels Church there’s Sick to Death – the interactive history of medicine experience that promises guests everything from plague doctors to potions and some gruesome parts of the past. For those who enjoy a challenge, Breakout on Bridge Street Row West is great fun with a host of themed escape rooms. On Eastgate Street Row North there’s Pictura Studios where you can take part in regular arts and craft workshops for all ages and abilities. For something even more relaxing stop into The Scented Garden Retreat to unwind your body and mind with a range of therapies and treatments including massages, facials, and mani-pedis